Two Fairlight artists, whose work celebrates the natural beauty of our coastline and countryside, are opening their studios to the public as part of the Coastal Currents Arts Festival this weekend, August 30-31.
Visitors can explore their studio spaces, talk to the artists and see them at work, whilst also exploring the beautiful scenery and views in Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve and along the cliff.
Annie Soudain, a printmaker, lives at the top of Fairlight in Coastguard Cottages, with dramatic views of Rye Bay. She uses images in her head or in her immediate surroundings as inspiration for lino prints, paintings, and collages. Along the lane from her home is the Bale House Visitor Centre and traditional Coastguard Café, both also worth a visit.
A scenic walk across The Firehills brings you to Fairlight Cove and the home of painter Anna Wilson-Patterson, with views across to Pett. In recent years, she's been teaching art to adults at Rye Harbour and her latest work includes riverside seals, the RNLI Lifeboat House and holiday hounds in camper vans. Her studio is a stone's throw from The Cove pub, which offers a lunch menu and contemporary garden.
Both artists publish calendars, greeting cards and have a range of merchandise. They accept cash and credit cards. Their studios are open on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, as well as September 6-7, from 11am to 5pm for Annie Soudain and from 11am to 6pm for Anna Wilson-Patterson. Entrance is free.
The Coastal Currents Festival has a 66 page printed book and online guide, listing all the exhibiting artists and events in the area, offering a fantastic opportunity to step into the studios of local artists in Hastings, Rye and surrounding villages. Included are works in many mediums: ceramics, printmaking, painting, textiles, digital art, and sculpture.
Plus on social media www.facebook.com/coastalcurrents @coastalcurrentsfestival
